A  group of 10 riders found their way to the golf club for today’s charge around the Chilterns.  This included Anastasia and Lucas deciding to step up from their normal Clock Tower ride.  As a number in the group had less experienced of riding with us, we decided to take one of our classic routes via Pishill. I and a couple of the more experienced riders were mindful of our juniors, so didn’t want to ride at a pace which was too aggressive.  So how did we get on?

With Les feeling slightly off form (at least) the first few miles to Twyford were at a more manageable pace with myself and Matthew leading.   Passing the winery, Stuart showed he was up for a race and attached on the short climb into Twyford.  I was dropping back at this point so didn’t see who got to the top first.  We then had a steady ride via Sonning to the base of Playhatch.

Stuart and Brett made the early attack, with myself and Les following.  All safely at the top Sam discovered his rear wheel wasn’t tight which was causing his gears to slip.  So on into Henley at the usual brisk pace all lined out. 

As we set off up the Fairmile, Mike took up the pace setting to ensure it wasn’t too hard.  This was still about 21.5mph by my reading.  Heading up the Stoner Valley I took up the pace setting at a pace which just about managed to keep the group together.  Passing Stoner, Stuart having sat in most of the time, lifted the pace and the group fragmented into a led group of 6.  Further on up Pishill Bank the lead group had dropped to 4, who managed to stay together until the right bend where the road finally kicks up.  I then attacked at the same time as someone had gear problems and got a small lead which I just about maintained to the top.  Lucas did excellent work chasing by himself to get to the top 5^th.

While all recovered, we had a discussion about the workings of through and off with the agreement to keep the pace down slightly to allow all the new riders to get accustomed to the activity.  This worked well to Nettlebed with all riders coming through nicely and while still maintaining speeds over 22mph.  Leaving Nettlebed it did break up a little as Les lifted the pace and a group of 7 formed which later dropped to 6.  Myself and Stuart didn’t get into this break but still had to ride along at 22+mph sweeping up any stragglers. 

We all got back together at some point after Sonning Common for what was a fairly steady ride back to Sonning down Playhatch.  We did have some discussions relating to the relative weight differences in the group (should we say some riders are lighter or other may just be fat?) and the impact on going down hills.  At Sonning we had a short pause at the lights before onto the A4, where Lucas and Tim left the group for home along the A4. 

After another pause at the lights in Twyford it was on to the winery sprint.  Matthew made an attack up the hill out of Twyford, which Brett and myself eventually responded too.  I lost interest before the roundabout to leave Brett and Matthew to contest the sprint.  This was won by Brett as I believe Matthew wasn’t sure of the finish line and back off early.  The group reformed and rolled through Shurlock Row and on for the final sprint.

Crossing Howe Lane I took the lead with the hope of setting a high pace to stop other coming by.  I’m told Les initially took up the chase, but when a gap formed, Brett had to take over.  Mike was interested in taking part but was finding 30mph too much.  With about 100m to go Brett slowly came along side me making it look easy.  His speed was only slightly higher than mine, but that was enough, so Brett opened what looked like a winning lead.  A few seconds later a flying Sam came past me and caught Brett on the line to take the final sprint.  Well timed Sam.

We all then retired to the Golf Club veranda for refreshments.  We might have scared the bar staff by suggesting one of the group might get fisty if they couldn’t find Oreo biscuit.  This did have the effect of getting some Oreo’s found.

My bike computer says I got round at just under 21mph and other’s Garmin all showing speeds over 20mph.  The ride was hard for everyone but good control enabled the group to stay together.

Well done everyone.  I think everyone got a number of PR on strava sectors.